Inside the Beltway: Stalwart Americans

That is the suggested name for free, taxpayer-funded satellite phones for U.S. border residents, says Javier Manjarres, a conservative Florida blogger who uncovered the program after a close reading of the aforementioned immigration reform bill. He believes that illegal immigrants could also get a MarcoPhone, as outlined in section 1107 of the legislation:

“An individual is eligible to receive a grant under this subsection if the individual demonstrates that he or she regularly resides or works in the Southwest Border region [and] is at greater risk of border violence due to the lack of cellular service at his or her residence or business and his or her proximity to the Southern border. Grants awarded under this subsection may be used to purchase satellite telephone communications systems and service that can provide access to 911 service; and are equipped with global positioning.”

PLEASE SHUT UP

“There have been a number of press reports based on information from unofficial sources that has been inaccurate. Since these stories often have unintended consequences, we ask the media, particularly at this early stage of the investigation, to exercise caution and attempt to verify information through appropriate official channels before reporting.”

The FBI’s advice to news organizations following erroneous stories from CNN, The Associated Press and other sources that a suspect had been apprehended in the Boston Marathon terrorist bombings.

PALMETTO POLITICS

These are not happy days for Mark Sanford, the disgraced former South Carolina governor once poised to run as a Republican favorite in the race for the U.S. House seat once held by Sen. Tim Scott. There’s woe along the campaign trail for Mr. Sanford, newly engaged to the Argentine woman who prompted him to divorce his wife Jenny Sanford two years ago.

For one, the National Republican Congressional Committee has also dropped Mr. Sanford from its supportive embrace, even as he debuts a $100,000 attack campaign against Democratic opponent Elizabeth Colbert Busch on local airwaves. The candidate has also been charged with trespassing on his former spouse’s property and has been ordered to appear in court May 9, two days after the upcoming special election.

“It’s an unfortunate reality that divorced couples sometimes have disagreements that spill over into family court. I did indeed watch the second half of the Super Bowl at the beach house with our 14-year-old son because as a father I didn’t think he should watch it alone,” Mr. Sanford explained Wednesday, noting that he’d tried to contact Ms. Sanford, who has had no public comment on the situation.

Meanwhile, the House Majority PAC, a Democratic group, is now on the prowl.

“Mark Sanford may claim to be a fiscal conservative, but as governor he flew around the world in high style, even jetting to the dentist and a hair dresser and stuck South Carolinians with the $400,000 bill,” says spokesman Andy Stone, who says his organization has produced its own attack ad titled “Air Sanford.”

POLL DU JOUR

• 52 percent of Americans say the federal government should “redistribute wealth” through taxes on the rich in the U.S.; 26 percent of Republicans, 34 percent of conservatives, 75 percent of Democrats and 76 percent of liberals agree.